US • Taxes • Los Angeles • Updated for 2026

Los Angeles Sales Tax Calculator 2026

Instantly estimate sales tax in Los Angeles with a breakdown of state, county, and special district rates.

Inputs

Enter purchase details to calculate sales tax.

Results

Sales tax breakdown for Los Angeles, California.

Effective Tax Rate: 9.750%

This category is taxable under the configured rules.

Purchase Price$100.00
Sales Tax$9.75
Total Price$109.75

Rate Breakdown

State7.250%
County0.000%
City0.000%
Special District2.500%
Base combined9.750%
Total9.750%
Calculator inputs stay on your device (local processing).

Disclaimer: All calculators on this website are provided for informational and illustrative purposes only. The results do not constitute professional advice (including legal, tax, financial, medical, or other advice). Despite careful programming, we assume no liability for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the results. For matters requiring professional advice, we recommend consulting an appropriate specialist (e.g., a tax advisor, lawyer, accountant, or physician).

1

How This Calculator Works

Enter a purchase price and category. The calculator multiplies your price by the combined Los Angeles sales tax rate (state + county + special districts). Category rules (like grocery exemptions) can reduce the effective rate to 0% for tax-exempt items.
2

Calculation Methodology

We calculate your Los Angeles sales tax using:

  • Total Rate: State + County + City + Special District
  • Tax Amount: Price × (Total Rate / 100)
  • Total Price: Price + Tax

Los Angeles, California Sales Tax Calculator 2026

Planning a purchase in LA? This calculator provides an instant estimate of sales tax using a combined breakdown so you know what you’ll pay at checkout. Los Angeles sales tax includes California’s statewide base rate plus county and special district add-ons.

What is the Sales Tax Rate in Los Angeles, California?

According to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA), the Los Angeles sales tax rate is 9.750% (effective January 1, 2026). Rates can still vary by address due to district boundaries, so use the CDTFA lookup tool for point-of-sale accuracy.

Official sources: CDTFA city & county rate table and CDTFA “Look up the rate by address”.

Quick Example (Los Angeles Sales Tax)

Example: a $100 taxable purchase in Los Angeles at 9.750% results in $9.75 in sales tax and a total of $109.75.

Is Los Angeles Sales Tax High?

Los Angeles is among the higher-tax cities in the U.S., especially compared to states with lower combined rates. However, it can still be lower than some high-tax metro areas with extensive special district layers.

Exemptions and Special Rules in California

  • Groceries: many unprepared grocery items are typically exempt.
  • Prescription drugs: typically exempt.
  • Prepared food: often taxable.
  • Digital goods: may be taxable depending on how the item is delivered/structured.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:What is the sales tax on a car in Los Angeles?

Vehicle taxation can have special rules and additional fees depending on the transaction. For many purchases, sales/use tax is based on the combined local rate, but DMV-related fees and use-tax rules can apply. For a precise vehicle estimate, consult California DMV guidance.

Q:Does Los Angeles have a luxury tax?

Los Angeles generally uses the standard combined sales tax rate rather than a separate luxury sales tax, but certain products may have additional excise taxes or fees.

Q:Are groceries taxed in Los Angeles?

Many unprepared grocery items are generally tax-exempt in California, but prepared foods can be taxable. Rules depend on the item.